Bats Are Even Stranger Than You Think

While a few mammal species can glide through the air using a skin flap between their limbs, bats are the only mammals in the Earth's history who can actually fly. 

Even in the prehistoric era, we have no evidence of other flying mammals ever existing (note: birds are NOT considered mammals). 

In today’s post, we’ll be sharing some unique facts about bats and their history on Earth. 

Watch the fascinating video version of this post by clicking HERE! 

You can also download the audio-only podcast by clicking the download button above. 

The Ancient History of Bats 

The evolutionary history of bats is still unclear, and their fossil record is sparse. 

Since they lived in dense forests, and their bones can be as thin as a human hair, the remains of ancient bats are difficult to find. 

However, scientists believe that bats evolved wings from their gliding ancestors. 

Ancient bats had leg structures that suggested they scampered through trees and leapt through branch to branch, before developing flight. 

Bat Wings vs. Bird Wings: What’s the Difference? 

In addition to being the only flying mammal, in many cases, bats are better flyers than birds! 

Did you know that bats can reach up to 100 miles per hour (160 km/h) while flying? 

Bats’ advanced speed is due to the way their wings evolved. Bat wings are notably different than bird wings in their bone structure. 

Birds flap their entire limbs, while bat wings are more like stretched out hands, where they bend their fingers to flap.

Because of the increased number of joints in bat wings, they are able to adjust their shape mid-air, allowing for more precision than birds. 

Birds developed their wings from the weaker front limbs of their upright dinosaur ancestors. However, not many mammals evolved to stand on their hind legs, so bats evolved wings in a completely different way. 

The Sheer Variety of Bat Species

Since bats spend most of their time flying and hanging upside down, their leg bones are so flimsy, only 2 species can actually walk upright: the vampire bat and the burrowing bat. 

Bat species range in size from as small as a penny (the Kitti’s hog-nosed bat, native to Thailand), to as large as a vulture (Pteropus, also known as flying foxes), with a wingspan over 6 feet. 

If you spot a bat this large flying through the sky, you might think you’re in danger… but fortunately, they eat mainly fruits and insects, like most bats. 

Even among average-sized bats that you may find in your home, bats can eat their own body weight in insects in a single hour - up to 1200 insects in total! 

For reference, that’s like a single human eating 20 whole pizzas in the same night! 

Vampire Bats: Friend or Foe? 

There aren’t many bat species who don’t feed on fruits or insects, but the most famous species is vampire bats. 

As their name implies, vampire bats survive by consuming other animals’ blood. 

Vampire bats do not suck blood through their teeth, however. Instead, they puncture their victim’s vein and lap up the blood with their tongues. 

Vampire bats can even latch onto a sleeping animal and drink its blood for half an hour without waking up the animal! 

Even so, in most countries, you are probably not at risk of a vampire bat attack. The species are only seen in Mexico, Central America, and a few countries in South America. 

Got a Pest Problem? 

While carnivorous bats aren’t a common pest, their omnivore cousins can still invade your home and carry harmful diseases, like rabies. 

Don’t put your home or property at risk of a bat infestation. 

Please contact us at 855-WILDLIFE or visit www.wildlifexteam.com for more information. 

Thanks for reading! 
-Wildlife x Team International 
 

Submit a Comment

* Required Field
Offering
  • Pest X Team Logo
  • Junk X Team Logo
  • X Team Services Logo
  • X Team Bird Control Logo
  • Gutter X Team Logo
  • Mosquito X Team Logo
As Featured on These Networks & Affiliates
  • Apple News Logo
  • Fox Logo
Affiliations:
  • Elite Service Logo
  • National Pest Management Association Logo
  • NWCOA Logo
  • If you have raccoons in your attic, garage, or other areas of your home, call Wildlife X Team® at (817) 431-3007 today! Wildlife X Team are experts in raccoon removal and exclusion services.
  • Squirrel problems are rampant nationally. Squirrels can cause extensive damage in and around homes, including soiling floors and walls. Squirrels don't stand a chance against Wildlife X Team®'s trained professional staff.
  • Rodent problems are common for homeowners, but Wildlife X Team® can help you prevent rodents from getting in your walls or your attic. Keep rodents out of your home by calling today!
  • Removing and relocating bats is best left to professionals, as bats will bite and scratch if threatened. If you see signs of bats on your property or want to know how to get rid of bats from your attic and chimney, please call Wildlife X Team® at (817) 431-3007.
  • Although armadillos have no reason to get into houses, there is a lot of damage armadillos can cause. Their diet consists mostly of grubs and insects, but when they burrow, it can affect the very structure of buildings. Call Wildlife X Team® today!
  • Whether you are facing a snake infestation on your property or just notice a single snake, call (817) 431-3007 at Wildlife X Team® today. Most snakes are harmless, some are venomous, and we can remove all kinds of snakes safely and quickly.
  • Birds can add a lot of enjoyment to the outdoor experience, but sometimes they cause trouble. If you're having an issue with problem birds like pigeons, starlings, or sparrows, give Wildlife X Team® a call at (817) 431-3007.
  • At Wildlife X Team®, we offer worry-free opossum removal and trapping. We can also repair any opossum damage.
  • Infamous for their defense mechanism, skunks are smelly creatures. This unique critter releases a scent to ward off predators and stay safe, and it smells offensive and can be dangerous.
  • Coyotes, a relative of the canine, are known for terrorizing livestock, and even household pets. Coyotes are often active at night, and homeowners often report the howling cries of these medium-sized creatures.
  • Badgers are notorious for having a bite that rivals their bark — despite their less-than-formidable size! Badgers have been known to fight animals as large as a bear!
  • Beaver damage is primarily to landscapes like riverbeds and lakesides. If you discover beaver damage in your property, call Wildlife X Team® at (817) 431-3007 to help relocate beavers and repair any damages caused by these flat-tailed critters.
  • Nocturnal creatures, bobcats will take down any prey necessary, especially livestock. Bobcats are territorial and will often return to the property they have claimed as their own, especially if there is a steady food source.
  • Chipmunks can be annoying and clever creatures, but they're no match for Wildlife X Team®. We offer chipmunk removal, and chipmunk damage repair services, plus we know how to keep chipmunks from coming back!
  • Fox landscape damage and feeding behaviors can affect homeowners' safety, so it's important to not approach a fox if you see one in the wild or on your property. Wildlife X Team® offers fox removal, fox trapping, and fox prevention. Call today!
  • Lizards, similar in appearance to snakes, can be frightening if you spot one in the wild or in your home, and although they don't typically attack residents, it's still good to not approach lizards.
  • Mole damage is most commonly found on landscapes, and sometimes humans don't even come into contact with them, but they definitely experience mole damage.
  • If you have discovered scorpion(s) in your garden or on your property, call us today for scorpion removal services.
  • Voles are not often spotted by humans, but vole damage is visible. For vole trapping, vole removal, and vole damage repair services, call Wildlife X Team® today!
  • Infestations of bugs are common, so if you are facing an insect infestation, don't panic—we can help kill insects and get rid of them inside and outside your home.
  • Wild hog trapping and wild hog prevention are the most effective means of wild hog removal. Due to the aggressive nature of wild hogs, we do not recommend DIY wild hog trapping.
  • Termite infestations are common inside homes and on properties, so if you are dealing with insects, call Wildlife X Team® at (817) 431-3007 today to get rid of your termite problem fast and effectively!
  • Bee and wasp infestations are common, so if you are facing a stinging insect infestation, don't panic — we can help get rid of them inside and outside your home.
About
Wildlife X Team is rapidly becoming the leader in the nuisance wildlife control industry. We lead the way in the development of technology, education, products and services in Wildlife Management.
Read More About Us
100% Financing
SuperMoney offers 100% financing up to $100,000 and 30 second approvals. You'll fill out one easy form and get competing pre-approved loan offers back in real time.
Apply Now
Wildlife X Team offers an exclusive Wildlife Inspection Report® which includes commonly overlooked areas where wildlife can enter and infest your home.
Project: Install or Upgrade Blown-In Insulation
Honest. Ready to work and will go around my schedule. Thank you.
Jennifer J., Katy, Texas